This High Protein Chia Seed Pudding is easy to make and has 18 grams of protein before adding protein powder! It's vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep! Serve it for breakfast on busy mornings or as a snack! Yogurt makes it extra creamy, and cacao powder turns it decadent, almost like a dessert!
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Why You'll Love This Protein Chia Pudding
Packed with protein and versatile flavor - I went with chocolate flavor because that's always my go-to, but you can make it your own and add any flavor you want! Stir in some frozen berries, add a different flavor of protein, a different sweetener, or only use yogurt to make it extra creamy. I've been making chia puddings for years, and the flavor combinations are truly endless!
Easy and simple - It's the perfect quick breakfast for busy mornings! The chia seeds do need to soak for at least a few hours, but the hands-on prep takes less than 10 minutes, and it really couldn't be easier! Just mix everything in a bowl, and you're done! You can divide it into jars right away or do it in the morning.
Great for meal prep - Since chia pudding is so easy to prep and keeps so well, it's perfect for meal prep! I actually like it more than overnight oats because it keeps the same creamy texture and flavor for 3-4 days and doesn't get mushier over time like oats do. You can easily double or triple the recipe for the whole family!
Ingredients
- Chia seeds - I always use classic black chia seeds. They're available at most grocery stores or online. You may also come across white chia seeds, but the main difference between the two is just the color. They're both high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They also contain various minerals and vitamins. You can learn more about their nutritional facts in this Healthline article about chia seeds.
- Milk and yogurt - I'm adding both yogurt and milk to this chia pudding because it makes it creamier. I like coconut yogurt and cashew, almond, or coconut milk (in a carton, not a can), but Greek yogurt and whole milk are great as well! Dairy yogurt might have more protein content than vegan yogurt.
- Protein powder - The amount of protein in the chia pudding will vary based on the protein you use. It will also change the flavor a lot, so choose one you really like! I like plant-based protein, but you can always use whey protein if you prefer. My go-to is Sprout Living protein powder. Either their chocolate protein powder or the unflavored version. You can also omit it because the pudding already has 18g of protein without it.
- Cacao powder - I used raw cacao powder, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder is great too; it just has a slightly different flavor.
- Sweetener - I went with pure maple syrup because it works with the flavors and I have it on hand, but you can use your preferred sweetener. Agave syrup, coconut nectar, honey, or stevia are all great. I do recommend a liquid sweetener because it's easier to dissolve, but granulated sugar, like coconut sugar or brown sugar, works too.
- Ground flax seeds - This one is optional, but I always add it to my chia puddings and oatmeal for added fiber and nutrients. It's important to choose ground flax because we can't properly digest the seeds whole.
- Vanilla and cinnamon - A pinch of ground cinnamon and a little bit of vanilla extract is all you need! It adds a little bit of flavor and ties everything together. You can use vanilla bean paste or vanilla powder as well.
Variations and Substitutions
- Keep it vegan - This chia pudding is very easy to make vegan-friendly, and it's usually how I make it. You can use dairy-free milk and yogurt instead of regular dairy milk. I recommend either unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk for a nut-free option. My go-to yogurt is unsweetened coconut yogurt by Yoggu.
- Change up the flavors - You don't have to always make this with chocolate. Try adding a different flavor of protein, like a berry one, and mixing in some fresh or frozen berries!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- To a medium bowl, add chia seeds, protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground flax seeds, and cacao powder. Whisk to mix.
- Add yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until well combined.
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- Let the chia pudding sit for a few minutes to allow the chia seeds to soak up some of the liquid.
- Give it a quick stir again to get rid of any clumps.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours so the chia seeds have enough time to soak. Alternatively, you can divide it into jars.
- Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks!
- Use both yogurt and milk - Over the years, I learned that you really need the creaminess of yogurt for the best texture. Using only milk will yield a thinner, less creamy chia pudding.
- Whisk it twice - After whisking all the ingredients together, I like to let the mixture sit and soak for about 5 minutes, and then whisk it again. I do this because sometimes, the chia seeds can stick together in clusters, which would prevent them from soaking properly. Whisking them twice gives you a smoother texture.
Serving and Storing
The toppings are where you can really change it up day to day and have fun with it! The pudding is great on its own, but different toppings can add so much flavor and texture.
- Add crunch - Top it with your favorite granola, cacao nibs, nuts, seeds, or crunchy almond butter.
- More protein and healthy fats - Speaking of nut butter, peanut butter is a classic, but if you avoid nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative! You could also top it with my Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread to make it extra special!
- Fresh berries - My go-to toppings are always strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, but you don't have to stop there. Blackberries, cherries, sour cherries, red currants, diced peaches, nectarines, or even apricots would be delicious too!
- More yogurt - Sometimes, I like adding an extra dollop of yogurt on top, or my favorite creamy coconut kefir for added probiotics.
Storing: Store the chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
FAQs
No, it's important to always soak your chia seeds first. Whether it's with milk or yogurt in this pudding, in oatmeal, or in a smoothie. I always recommend soaking them. They draw in water and will soak either way, which could cause dehydration or become a choking hazard. Read this Healthline - Chia seeds side effects article to learn more!
No, I don't recommend freezing it. While you can freeze chia jam, chia pudding is made with milk and yogurt, which means the texture won't be the same once defrosted.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
If you want to try other chia pudding flavors, check out any of the four recipes linked below! The mixed berry one is my favorite. To see all the latest ones, head over to Chia Puddings!
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Print📖 Recipe
Protein Chia Seed Pudding
This High Protein Chia Seed Pudding is easy to make and has 18 grams of protein before adding protein powder! It's vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep! Serve it for breakfast on busy mornings or as a snack!
- Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield2 1x
- DietVegan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ scoop protein powder (see notes)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 cup yogurt (I used full-fat Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup milk (I like cashew or almond milk)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- To a medium bowl, add chia seeds, protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground flax seeds, and cacao powder. Whisk to mix.
- Add yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until well combined.
- Let the chia pudding sit for a few minutes to allow the chia seeds to soak up some of the liquid.
- Give it a quick stir again to get rid of any clumps. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours so the chia seeds have enough time to soak.
- Serve in bowls or jars topped with berries, almond or peanut butter, granola, seeds, nuts, or any other toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
Protein powder: The nutritional facts are counted WITHOUT the protein powder because every brand will have different nutritional values. You can add a whole scoop, but I find it too overpowering, so I only do ½ of Sprout Living Protein Powder. I like their chocolate protein powder or the unflavored one.
Other high-protein add-ins: If you don’t like the flavor of protein powder, you can up the protein by adding hemp hearts, almond butter, more yogurt, or adding toppings like nuts and seeds.
Storing: Store the chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Soak Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
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